WestJet just completed its first revenue flight for its new 787 Dreamliner airplanes, carrying passengers from WestJet hubs of Toronto Pearson International Airport to Calgary International Airport. WestJet is Canada’s second largest airline with hopes of using the 787 aircraft to expand the international route destinations offered.

First Revenue Flight for the 787 Dreamliner

WestJet carried its first passengers on a successful flight on its new 787 Dreamliner on February 20. Although the jet is planned to service an international route, the first flight was completed domestically in Canada. The official route for WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner will be between Calgary and London (Gatwick).

The route will be open on April 28, 2019. Until then, the 787 Dreamliner will still be undergoing mandatory compliance with domestic flights and flights for crew training. The success of carrying WestJet passengers for the first time signals that WestJet is ready to expand their international routes while looking forward to growing the amount of 787’s that are in its fleet.

Adding 787 to the Fleet

WestJet is currently having their order of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners filled. A total of 10 787’s will be added to their fleet of 178 planes. The first plane, which completed the first revenue flight, was delivered in January 2019. The second was delivered on February 19th, and a third will be arriving in March 2019. WestJet is still planning the routes and airport bases for the remainder of the Dreamliners. It’s expected that these planes will also serve international routes. Based on the success of the initial 787 Dreamliners to be added to the WestJet fleet, the company also has the option to add ten planes between 2020 and 2024.

WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner Experience

Passengers who were lucky enough to fly the inaugural flight of the 787 got a preview of the enhanced passenger experience that the aircraft will offer. WestJet took significant consideration to the international use of the aircraft while maintaining their Canadian identity.

The interior design of the new 787 Dreamliner is inspired by the Canadian landscape, from the colors and textures used throughout the cabins. The exterior of the aircraft also features a revamped WestJet text logo while adorning the Canadian maple leaf on its tail.

The 787 Dreamliner will service longer international flights, enticing WestJet to emphasize comfort and entertainment for their passengers. The aircraft will feature distinct cabins for each of their classes with new, unique features for each: Business, Premium, and Economy Class.

Passengers traveling in Business Class will get a luxurious flight experience that can be customized for each guest. The individual business seat pods maximize privacy while being serviced with on-demand dining, lie-flat seating, and luxury bedding provided.

Premium and Economy Class have access to a self-serve social area for snacks and drinks. The seats are larger than industry standard for increased comfort and come with in-seat device charging and seatback entertainment screens.

Full service for the 787 Dreamliner will be available for passengers during Spring 2019. The first revenue flight allows WestJet to receive feedback from customers and finalize the official route plans for the aircraft. All appears positive after the successful trip so we can expect to hear more upcoming with the expansion of WestJet’s fleet and routes.